Correlation Between Beta- and Alpha-Adrenergic Receptor Concentrations in Human Placenta

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Abstract
α2- and β-adrenergic receptors in human placental membranes have been investigated using the radioligands [3H]-RX 821002 and [3H]-dihydroalprenolol, respectively. The specific binding of the α2-adrenoceptor antagonist RX 821002 confirms the presence of an α2-adrenoceptor in the human placenta, which has been characterized previously with [3H]-rauwolscine. The major finding presented here is a correlation between the α2- and β-adrenergic receptor concentrations (r=0.765) in the human placenta at term. It is suggested that the α2/β adrenoceptor balance may play an important role in regulation of the vascular bed of the placenta. Determination of the α2/β ratio may help towards an understanding of the contractility of the placental vascular muscles.